Hydrogen: A Key to Sustainable Transportation

Amid growing climate concerns and a global push toward decarbonization, hydrogen is rapidly emerging as a core element in future energy systems. With its high energy density, zero-emission characteristics, and potential for renewable-based production, hydrogen is being positioned as a practical solution for reducing carbon across a wide range of industries.

In particular, the mobility sector is witnessing rapid adoption of hydrogen technologies. Beyond hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles, the scope now includes trains, ships, aircraft, and drones. Among these, hydrogen fuel cell-powered trams are gaining traction as a clean and efficient solution for sustainable urban transit.

How Hydrogen Fuel Cells Work

Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. In this process, hydrogen introduced to the anode splits into protons and electrons. The protons pass through the electrolyte membrane to the cathode, while electrons travel through an external circuit, generating electric power. At the cathode, the protons and electrons combine with oxygen to produce water and heat. In essence, hydrogen serves as a clean fuel source for electricity generation.

Why Hydrogen Trams Are Gaining Attention

Hydrogen fuel cell trams produce electricity without carbon emissions and use that electricity to power traction motors—similar to conventional electric trams. However, unlike traditional systems that rely on overhead lines, hydrogen trams operate catenary-free over longer distances. They also offer faster energy replenishment compared to battery-based systems.

Moreover, hydrogen trams can purify air as they operate. The air intake system cleans particulates through filters and humidifiers during the oxygen intake process, allowing the tram to remove fine and ultrafine dust from the air. This adds environmental value, positioning hydrogen trams not only as vehicles, but also as mobile air purifiers that improve urban air quality.

Given these advantages, hydrogen trams are already being implemented in cities like Foshan (China), and projects are underway in countries such as Malaysia, Germany, and South Korea, including regions like Jeju, Busan, and Changwon.

VINATech’s Fuel Cell Technology Driving the Future

The commercialization of hydrogen trams demands high power output, compact designs, and enhanced durability. Central to meeting these requirements is innovation in PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell) technology.

VINATech, backed by 24 years of R&D expertise, is the only company in Korea with vertically integrated production capabilities—from carbon support to catalyst, MEA, and bipolar plate development. Vinatech’s proprietary PEMFC technology delivers the following strengths:

• Ultra-durable catalyst achieving 2.5x longer lifespan than competitors
   

• Platinum usage reduced by 75%, ensuring cost competitiveness
   

• Direct coating MEA manufacturing for durability and mass production
   

• Near-permanent durability in bipolar plates for system stability
   

These advancements have led to VINATech products being adopted in global commercial vehicle, aviation, and stationary system projects—reinforcing its reputation as a trusted technology provider.

Shaping the Future of Hydrogen-Powered Transportation

VINATech is currently expanding its dedicated fuel cell production center, targeting a production capacity of 100 million MEA units per year by 2030. The company is also the world’s first to successfully establish a mass production system focused on cost efficiency.

Hydrogen fuel cells are now evolving beyond transit electrification—they are becoming high-value infrastructure components that contribute to air purification and energy recycling in cities. Vinatech aims to be a technology partner at the forefront of this transformation, powering the next generation of sustainable urban mobility.

▶ [Contact VINATech for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Solutions]